Hot Wax

Stepping out of the Palace building, Ivan stopped in his tracks when his gaze fell upon the lifeless body that had been brought back as evidence to their report, and the guards that surrounded the body swiftly moved back for Ivan to have a clear view.

On the cold floor lay the body of a female servant he hardly recognized, her skin had turned pale, and her eyes devoid of any form of life.

When he stooped down to observe the bleeding area on her chest, he could tell from years of diligent practice that her attacker had aimed specifically for her heart. The arrow wasn't strayed, it was a deliberate attempt to kill.

"Where's the weapon?" Ivan turned to the guards who stepped forward to hand him the arrow that had been used to assassinate the servant.